"Part of a well-known book series on contemporary art jewelry by jeweler Nicolas Estrada, this completely new edition of New Earrings highlights the work of some of the most exciting and innovative international jewelry artists working today. The more than 550 pieces featured by 198 jewelers from all over the world break away from the traditional notion of jewelry making to stake out new terrain. They represent a variety of creative approaches and methods, from more traditional to strikingly avant-garde creations, that speak and inspire, embodying all the ingenuity, flair, eloquence, sensitivity and individual freedom of their diverse creators. Some of the earrings are made using unconventional materials like porcelain or plastic while others use classical materials such as gold in ways that provocatively go against the grain of convention, reflecting the artist's personal identity and tastes or containing a subtle commentary on contemporary concerns. Aimed at students, professionals and jewelry lovers, this book concludes with a brief description of the careers and webpages of the featured artists."